Durston and Clare pen new deals

Wes Durston has committed his future to Derbyshire by signing a new contract. "I'm delighted to have been awarded another two years," said the 30-year-old all-rounder, who arrived at the club last summer

All-rounders Wes Durston and Jonathan Clare have handed Derbyshire a double boost by agreeing new contracts with the club.

Durston, who joined the club midway through the 2010 campaign following a string of impressive performances for the Unicorns in the Clydesdale Bank 40, has signed a two-year deal, while Clare has been rewarded for his outstanding form this season with a three-year deal.

Former Somerset player Durston has played an influential role with the bat this year and his three wickets in last night’s CB40 win over Worcestershire took his tally for the season to 17 in all competitions.

The 30-year-old said: “I’m delighted to have been awarded another two years and excited to be a part of Derbyshire’s future. The club is assembling a talented young side and backing it to succeed and I buy into that philosophy 100%.

“Hopefully I can keep scoring runs and also help some of the younger players along by sharing my experience with them.

“Clearly I’m very grateful to Derbyshire for handing me the opportunity of resurrecting my professional career and I’ve been pleased to be able to reward them with some decent performances.”

Head coach Karl Krikken said: "Wes is a talented three-dimensional cricketer and I’m delighted he has signed on for another two years.

Jonathan Clare has also agreed a new deal at the County Ground. "It's great to know the club are backing me to succeed long-term," he said

"Maintaining a consistent level of performance in all three competitions is the benchmark for a professional cricketer and Wes has done that in 2011.

“His form in the 40-over competition has been particularly sparkling and Wes is a fine example to our young batsmen of how to build, pace and execute a one-day innings.”

Clare is averaging over 30 with the bat and less than 30 with the ball in this season’s LV= County Championship and struck a career-best 130 in last month’s home victory over Glamorgan.

Krikken added: “Jon showed a huge amount of promise during his debut full season in 2008 and it has been great to see him start to realise that potential during the current campaign.

“It’s always great for the balance of the side to have a player who is capable of scoring centuries as well as performing as a frontline bowler.

“Jon has all the talent and attributes to succeed both as a batsman and a bowler. He also brings an excellent attitude and work ethic to the camp. I’m delighted he will be here for at least the next three years.”

Clare has expressed his satisfaction at securing a new deal.

He said: “It’s great to know the club are backing me to succeed long-term with the awarding of this contract and I hope we are in for some exciting times during the next few seasons.

“After a couple of stop-start campaigns where injuries have struck and limited the amount of cricket I have been able to play, it has been pleasing to become a regular again in the team this season. Things have been going well and hopefully they will continue to do so for the next few years.”